The internal structure of vertebrate animals, composed of bone or cartilage, that supports the body, serves as a framework for the attachment of muscles, and protects the vital organs and associated structures.

A hard protective covering or supporting structure of invertebrate animals. See also endoskeleton, exoskeleton.

skeletal muscle n. A muscle that is connected at either or both extremities with a bone and consists of elongated, multinucleated, transversely striated, skeletal muscle fibers, together with connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves.

skeletal system definition The framework of the body, consisting of bones and other connective tissues, which protects and supports the body tissues and internal organs. The human skeleton contains 206 bones, six of which are the tiny bones of the middle ear (three in each ear) that function in hearing. The largest bone in the […]

noun 1. Anatomy, Zoology. the bones of a human or an animal considered as a whole, together forming the framework of the body. 2. any of various structures forming a rigid framework in an invertebrate. 3. an emaciated person or animal. 4. a supporting framework, as of a leaf, building, or ship. 5. an outline, […]

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